My First Tour
Intro (Holly): VIP takes a tour every other year, which means that students who enter VIP as 6th or 7th graders and stick with us through 12th grade, will participate in a total of 3 (or 4!) tours. I asked a few of our tour rookies to share their reflections.
Erica (Grade 10):
The 2016 Choir Tour was my first tour. It has taken a lot out of us but has been such a rewarding experience. From members of the choir having powerful prayers to finding Manni the Mannequin this tour has led to lifelong memories and bonds that will never be broken. We have all bonded so much through this tour. I had never really had a full conversation with some of the kids that I'm now best friends with. This choir means so much to me and everyone and what we have is so unique and special to what we do and who we are. We only have one more night together, and on August 29th (6:30pm - 8:30pm at Friendship UMC) is our VIP Rally for all to come and check out the choir. For the seniors, however, our Homecoming Concert will be the last time they sing with VIP as a member. Of course they will come back and sing as Alumni but they will move on from us and go on to bigger and better things. We are all preparing for an emotional night but we will make it one no one will ever forget.
So, seniors we wish you the best in everything you do and we love you so so much. Snaps for all.
Abigail (Grade 7):
My first tour. I don't know how to explain it. From helping the homeless to line dancing in a club, it has been a dream. The people are so kind and godly. I guess that's what you'd expect from a Christian choir! This is going to sound cheesy but I really think God is working through us on this tour from the Joshua 1:9 sightings and Manni (Justin's "child") uniting the choir. Choir tour has been a magical experience. My expectations were all met and more. I never knew that being with each other so much brought us together as a family. I never thought a bond so strong could happen between just friends. I expected that we would just sing but it's so much more than that. Yes, we're singing but we have one purpose and that is to glorify God in our own way of singing and bringing joy to His children. It's just so beautiful but blinding! I was so surprised at the VIPs' affection. I feel like I really bonded with Laura and Cera. I roomed with them and we became just really close friends.
I thank the Lord for all of the wonderful and beautiful people in this choir. It also surprised me how much difference just a few days can make. We sounded OK on Saturday and Sunday but when we sang in the Nashville Public Library, we totally locked in. We sounded as if we've been singing these songs for 10 years! I can't wait to hear what we sound like at the Homecoming Concert. Choir Tour 2016 has been a dream and I can't wait for the next one. As we're "Travelin' Through" Music City, God is our "refuge and strength" so we know our one and only true God is with us.
